Crate Motors-"Not For Use With A/C" Warning

You have to remember that those crate engines aren't hand assembled and some, like the short blocks aren't all brand new. With that comes all the same problems you could have with a production engine or a reman unit.

I bought a 360 crate short block because I had to have an engine together and racing in less than a week. I took it all apart, cut the pistons for valve clearance, added ARP rod bolts and main studs, didn't line hone or resize anything. Slammed it together and ran 10.89 first pass with a smaller cam than I was using (only .25 slower) because I was afraid to cut the pistons any deeper.

After the last two races and the divisional finals were over I took it back apart and got a spare piston to cut up to see how deep I could go. I got my big cam in there and the car was just as fast as it was with my high dollar 340 short block. Been racing it for 5 years now. Go figure.